In this deeply personal conversation, Magdalena Westman traces the arc of her life from her early years in a pastor’s family in Czechoslovakia to her transformative experiences in South Africa—where the seeds of her art therapy practice first began to take root. Growing up in a home filled with intellect, faith, and compassion, Magdalena’s childhood was shaped by both inspiration and challenge. Her family’s moral integrity during the years of political repression left a lasting imprint, instilling in her a sensitivity to human struggle and resilience. Those formative experiences would later find their way into her work, not through words, but through color, texture, and the spontaneous movement of the hand across paper. Our conversation moves gently between memory and meaning—how a sense of “being different” as a child became a source of empathy, and how the creative act became, for Magdalena, a path to freedom and healing. In South Africa, amidst new landscapes and cultural encounters, she began to sense art’s potential to bridge inner and outer worlds—a realization that led her to study and eventually teach art therapy after returning to the Czech Republic. Today, Magdalena is known for her intuitive approach to creativity—inviting people to reconnect with their childlike curiosity through mark-making, reflection, and presence. Her workshops and writings reveal how even the simplest doodle can become a doorway to emotional understanding and self-discovery. This interview offers a rare glimpse into a life shaped by courage, creativity, and compassion—and into an artistic philosophy that reminds us that healing often begins with a single, spontaneous line.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, we meet Stuart Mckenzie — an extraordinary Cirque performer, teacher, and founder of Aerial Fitness Bodies (AFB). Born in London, Stuart began his athletic journey in gymnastics at the age of 12 and went on to represent Great Britain in Sports Acrobatics for a decade, where his Men’s Four team proudly achieved a World No. 1 ranking. After retiring from competitive sport, Stuart joined the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, performing in four iconic productions — Saltimbanco, Kooza, Kurios, and Mystère. His artistry and athleticism now take flight in a new form through Air Skating, a breathtaking duo act he performs with Angela Kim. Air Skating beautifully merges the poetry and flow of figure skating with the raw strength and elegance of aerial straps. The pair glide, spin, and soar through the air, creating a dance that defies gravity — blending movement, music, and emotion into a truly unique aerial narrative. In our conversation, Stuart opens up about his transition from elite athlete to performing artist, the mindset and discipline required to master his craft, and the creative process behind developing Air Skating. He also discusses his innovative Aerial Fitness Bodies (AFB) program — a training platform designed to make the strength and artistry of cirque performance accessible to everyone through creative bodyweight movement and the use of his custom-designed AFB straps. This inspiring interview captures Stuart’s passion for movement, performance, and the limitless potential of the human body and spirit.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Pamela Power, a Johannesburg-based television scriptwriter, script editor, novelist, and former actor. Pamela’s journey through the worlds of acting, teaching, and writing offers a fascinating glimpse into the craft of storytelling in South Africa today. She has worked on some of the country’s most beloved television productions — Top Billing, Generations, Rockville, and Uzalo — and currently serves as the script editor at Muvhango. Beyond television, Pamela is the author and co-author of several novels, including Ms Conception, Things Unseen, and Chasing Marian (written with Amy Heydenrych, Qarnita Loxton, and Gail Schimmel). In our conversation, Pamela shares how she first discovered writing, how real-life experiences often shape her characters, and why for her, storytelling can sometimes be a form of venting or healing. We also talk about patience, persistence, and the realities of building a creative career that doesn’t happen overnight. It’s an inspiring, down-to-earth discussion about creativity, resilience, and the everyday life of a writer.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with Tanya Keggin, a Canadian artist who once worked for two decades as a marketing and advertising lawyer before following her true passion for art. From an early age, Tanya was drawn to painting and dreamed of a creative career, yet her many interests led her first into science and then into law. It was only years later, after building a successful legal career, that she took the courageous step of becoming a full-time professional artist. Tanya’s paintings are expressive and deeply evocative, often exploring the connections between music, memory, and emotion. Her elevated painterly style reflects her love of materials and the joy she finds in the physical process of creating—through bold brushstrokes, intuitive mark-making, and a striking balance of realism and abstraction. In our conversation, Tanya reflects not only on her personal journey from law to art but also on the broader importance of creativity in society. We spoke about how art shapes the way we think, solve problems, and make decisions, and why it is so valuable to nurture creativity in children from an early age. Tanya believes art education is not just about making future artists, but about giving young people the tools to think differently and approach any profession with imagination and confidence. Her story is one of courage, transformation, and purpose—an inspiring reminder that it is never too late to reconnect with creativity and allow it to shape both life and work.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I speak with Hendrik Hofmeyr, often described as South Africa’s most performed classical composer. His works span opera, orchestral, chamber, choral, vocal, and piano music, and have been performed across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. We discuss his opera Sara Baartman, which tells the true story of Saartjie Baartman, a woman of the Khoi community whose life and legacy remain an important part of South African history. Hendrik shares why he felt compelled to give voice to her story through music and the deeper cultural significance behind the work. Our conversation also explores how African musical traditions have influenced his compositions, including his album Partita Africana (Disques Triton, 2021), performed by Marika Hofmeyr (piano), Philippe Bernold (flute), and Berthilde Dufour (violin). This collection, whose title translates to “African Partita,” incorporates indigenous song and thematic transformation, reflecting Hendrik’s deep engagement with the sound world of the African continent. His music has also been featured and recognized in leading French publications. We also speak about the challenges and opportunities for classical musicians in South Africa today, and the significance of Hofmeyr’s works being included in the syllabus of classical music education. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution to South African music, Hofmeyr was awarded the prestigious triennial Hubert Rupert Prize for Classical Music by the South African Academy of Science and Art in 2025. Beyond his life as a composer, we look at his distinguished academic career: from lecturing at Stellenbosch University to serving as Professor and Head of Composition and Theory at the University of Cape Town until 2022, where he inspired generations of musicians and composers. https://hendrikhofmeyr.wixsite.com/mysite

In this conversation with Hannah Morris, we explore how psychology, neuroscience, and creativity intersect in her unique approach to transforming spaces. With a degree in psychology and ongoing studies in neuroaesthetics, Hannah brings a fascinating perspective to the world of property design and management—one that goes far beyond aesthetics. She describes how a home or workspace can become a true sanctuary when it’s designed not only to look beautiful, but also to feel intuitively right on every level. By blending the science of how the brain perceives beauty with the art of design, Hannah creates environments that soothe the mind, nurture calm, and ignite inspiration. When I first invited Hannah to join me for this interview, she shared with humility that she still feels “like a baby in this field,” in the midst of research and studies, shaping her methods and values. Far from positioning herself as an established expert, she embraced the opportunity as a challenge and a step on her creative journey. This openness and honesty make her insights all the more compelling. During our discussion, Hannah reflects on how her creativity has been with her since childhood and how she continues to draw inspiration from people’s stories. By listening deeply to others, she shapes spaces that resonate emotionally, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience them. This interview is a thoughtful dive into the power of neuroaesthetics, the importance of intuitive design, and the ways our surroundings influence well-being, creativity, and connection.

In this inspiring conversation, I speak with Petra Štefanková – an award-winning artist, designer, and illustrator whose work spans across graphic design, book illustration, and painting. Recognised internationally by Channel 4 and American Illustration, Petra brings a rich, multidisciplinary perspective to her creative practice. She shares insights into her career as a graphic designer, as well as her extensive work as a book illustrator, where she combines storytelling with striking visual language. The discussion then flows into her fine art practice, where her paintings take center stage. A passionate traveller, Petra draws inspiration from her journeys around the world, transforming experiences of people, places, and cultures into vibrant works of art. A recurring theme in her work is women, who appear as powerful figures and symbols across her creative output. Petra reflects on how these depictions emerge not only from personal experience but also from her desire to highlight strength, beauty, and resilience. Beyond her artistic achievements, Petra is a Life Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts in London and a member of the World Genius Directory in Australia, further underlining her contribution to the global creative community. This interview offers an engaging look into the world of a visionary artist whose practice continues to cross boundaries and touch audiences worldwide. https://petrastefankova.com

In this interview, I had the pleasure of speaking with Shan Y. Chuang, whose artistic journey is as inspiring as it is multifaceted. Shan began her training as a pianist at a young age before discovering her passion for dance, which ultimately set her on a path toward a life in the performing arts. After graduating with an MFA in Musical Theater from National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), Shan was accepted into the prestigious Circle in the Square Musical Theater program in New York City in 2012. Her move to the Big Apple marked a bold step toward fulfilling her dream of performing in musicals. Yet, through her experiences with the audition process and casting limitations, Shan realized that her creativity could not be confined to the traditional stage. Embracing her culture and roots, she began creating and choreographing her own work, collaborating with like-minded artists, and redefining what it means to be a performer. Today, Shan thrives both on stage and beyond it, appearing in plays, musicals, and films, while also working with Katharine Pettit Creative and LINKED Dance Theatre. Our conversation explored her artistic evolution, her courage to carve out her own creative path, and her commitment to collaboration as a way of bringing immersive and engaging stories to life. Shan is an artist who truly welcomes the creation of art with wide open arms. https://www.shanychuang.com/about

In this conversation, I had the privilege of speaking with Leanne Olivier, a South African artist who makes her home in the vast landscapes of the Kalahari, Northern Cape. Her artistic journey moves through the thresholds of human experience, where stories, symbols, and myths converge. Olivier’s practice lives in these liminal spaces — places of transition, in-between states — where the seen and unseen meet. Drawing from diverse cultural traditions, ancient mythologies, and spiritual thought, she questions the illusion of certainty and fixedness. Her work often takes shape through the many faces of the archetypal Feminine — a presence that both shifts and dissolves, becoming and unbecoming at once. In the interview, Olivier reflects on the inspirations that move her and the inner dialogue that unfolds while she works. Her creative process is rooted in collaboration, a ceremonial exchange with those she paints, unfolding within her studio, which she calls her “suburban cave.” Her figurative realism carries a classical strength, yet her paintings are infused with the raw textures of the earth — clay, hematite, bone meal, ash, mica, and charcoal. These earthly materials are not merely tools, but living metaphors, conduits that call us back to essence, to the primal and the sacred. Through her words and her art, Leanne Olivier reveals a practice that is at once deeply personal and universally human — a journey into the mysteries of becoming. https://leanneolivier.com/about

In this episode, I sit down with Bama Lutes Deal, a musicologist, consultant, and passionate advocate for the arts, whose journey has taken her across disciplines—bridging music, culture, business, science, and technology. Bama’s story begins with her deep love of music and her training as a musicologist, where she studied music not only as sound, but as a cultural and historical force that shapes our lives. From there, she built a career that spans management consulting, writing, arts management, higher education, and community development. What ties all of this together is her ability to combine creative and critical thinking to solve complex challenges. Today, Bama is deeply involved in the emerging field of neuroarts—a place where science, the arts, and technology meet. As a consultant for the Palm Beach County Neuroarts Collaborative, she is helping map out local partners, programs, and research to strengthen how the arts support health and well-being in South Florida. In our conversation, she takes time to expand on what neuroarts really means, and why it is so important for the future of health, education, and society. But Bama’s passion doesn’t stop at theory and research—she is also an advocate for artists, helping them share their work, find ways to market themselves, and build supportive networks within their communities. She reminds us that the arts are not just “nice to have,” but essential to who we are as human beings. We also talk about the power of nature and aesthetics, and how both play a vital role in healing and inspiring us. Bama’s insights remind us that when creativity, science, and community come together, we open doors to healthier, more connected, and more beautiful ways of living.

Indre Viskontas has spent her life at the crossroads of two worlds that are often kept apart: art and science. An opera singer-turned-director who came of age during the “decade of the brain,” she has always felt a magnetic pull toward both music and neuroscience. Rather than choosing one path over the other, she has forged a career that beautifully integrates the two. With a Master’s degree in Voice Performance and a Ph.D. in Cognitive Neuroscience, Professor Viskontas is now Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of San Francisco, while also holding a cross-appointment at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Her work moves fluidly between the concert hall and the laboratory, the rehearsal studio and the lecture hall. She has published more than 50 original papers and chapters on the neural basis of memory and creativity, while also directing operas that illuminate the richness of human experience. A gifted communicator, Indre brings science to life for broad audiences through her lectures, podcasts, and creative projects. Her passion lies not only in unraveling the mysteries of the brain but also in showing how art and science can deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other. In our conversation, she spoke about the transformative role of music in education, emphasizing the transferable skills that children gain when they engage with the arts alongside mathematics and the sciences. For Indre, music is not a luxury but a necessity—an essential part of what makes us human, shaping creativity, empathy, and resilience. This interview invites us to see the beauty of connections: between neurons and notes, data and drama, memory and melody.

In this conversation, we meet Eva Obodo, a visual artist from Nsukka, Nigeria, whose work spans painting, sculpture, and mixed media. From his earliest memories, Obodo has been captivated by the act of creating. As a child, he drew pictures in the sand at school—ephemeral sketches that vanished with the wind—teaching him the beauty of impermanence and the importance of process over permanence. At home, his parents encouraged his creativity, even allowing him to draw on his bedroom walls, showing him from a young age that art was valued and that self-expression mattered. Obodo’s practice today is deeply connected to these formative experiences. He works with fibre and charcoal, transforming discarded and everyday materials into relief paintings and free-standing sculptures. Using techniques of wrapping, tying, and bundling, he constructs vibrant, tactile visual narratives. His charcoal pieces reflect on Nigeria’s natural resources and the impacts of development, while his fibre works, often composed of tightly wound nylon threads, create colourful metaphors for the intricate connections between individuals, communities, and global economic networks. In our conversation, Eva shares his philosophy that art should emerge from one’s immediate environment, telling stories rooted in personal and communal histories. He explains how a piece of coal became the foundation for a work reflecting the coal mine where his father worked—a material that carries both memory and meaning. Beyond his artistic practice, Obodo is a passionate advocate for the arts in education, emphasizing that engaging with art cultivates transferable skills, nurtures critical thinking, and encourages creative problem-solving—lessons that extend far beyond the studio. Through this interview, we explore how Eva Obodo intertwines memory, material, and society, offering a compelling glimpse into the mind of an artist who transforms everyday substances into powerful reflections on life, work, and community. https://afikaris.com/artists/115-eva-obodo/

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I had the pleasure of speaking with Owain Park, composer, conductor, and artistic director of the award-winning British vocal ensemble The Gesualdo Six. The group was founded in 2014 in Cambridge for a performance of Gesualdo’s Tenebrae Responsories and has since become one of the most exciting vocal ensembles of our time. Made up of some of the UK’s finest consort singers, The Gesualdo Six has earned international praise for its imaginative programmes and impeccable balance. Since those early student days, the ensemble has gone on to perform at major festivals across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia, making its Wigmore Hall debut in 2021 and appearing as part of the prestigious Deutschlandradio Debut Series. Along the way they have collaborated with the Brodsky Quartet, London Mozart Players, Luxmuralis, William Barton and Matilda Lloyd, constantly pushing the boundaries of what choral performance can be. In our conversation, Owain reflects on how the group first came together while studying, united by a love of Renaissance polyphony, and how that passion continues to shape their journey. He speaks about the enduring power of Renaissance music and how social media has opened unexpected doors, bringing in younger audiences who may not have otherwise discovered this repertoire. We explore the profound impact of performing in historic churches, where the acoustics and architecture lend a sense of timelessness to the music, creating moments that feel both intimate and transcendent. Owain also shares how The Gesualdo Six has embraced immersive performance, combining their sound with visual elements and subtle staging to bring an almost theatrical dimension to their concerts. At the same time, they are deeply engaged with the music of today, commissioning and performing works from contemporary composers, ensuring that choral music remains a living, evolving art form. This interview is not only the story of how six young singers came together to form an internationally celebrated ensemble, but also a reflection on the future of vocal music—how tradition and innovation meet, how old and new speak to each other, and how music continues to connect us across time. https://www.owainpark.co.uk/posts/the-gesualdo-six/

This episode features Dorothy Di Stefano, Founder and Director of Molten Immersive Art, an international collective known for creating large-scale, multi-sensory art experiences. Her projects span the globe — including the landmark Noor Riyadh in Saudi Arabia — and she is recognised as a leading figure in shaping how audiences encounter art in new and unexpected ways. Dorothy’s journey into this field grew from a lifelong love of music, beauty, and curiosity about the world. That passion has evolved into a career where she brings together art, technology, and storytelling to design experiences that engage every sense — sight, sound, touch, and space — drawing people into a deeper relationship with creativity. She highlights why it is essential to keep the artist’s perspective at the core of these projects. For Dorothy, it is not just about creating a spectacle, but about honouring the vision behind the work and ensuring that audiences connect with the authenticity of the artist’s message. In our conversation, Dorothy also describes how this new form of art extends far beyond traditional formats. Instead of simply looking at a painting or sculpture, audiences are invited into an environment where the physical and the emotional come together. In her words, it’s art that can stay with you long after you’ve left the space — because it surrounds you, moves you, and becomes part of your memory.

In this inspiring interview, I speak with Gabriel Gordon, an accomplished Music Director, conductor, and violinist whose career spans the United States, Australia, and Europe. Gabriel currently serves as Music Director of The New American Philharmonic and is a frequent guest conductor with Chamber Orchestra Ogden and The Nova Chamber Series. Gabriel’s journey began early — he started performing professionally as a violinist at just 14 years old. From a young age, he knew his true calling was conducting. By observing great conductors and seizing early opportunities on the podium, Gabriel gradually shaped his craft into a highly respected international career. Alongside his conducting work, Gabriel is passionate about music education. He serves as Orchestra Director at Syracuse Arts Academy and is a board member of The Davis Arts Council, helping nurture the next generation of musicians. One of Gabriel’s greatest joys as a conductor is working with ballet companies. He shares fascinating insights into the art of conducting ballet — a role that requires deep collaboration with dancers, choreographers, and musicians to bring storytelling to life through movement and music. Conducting for ballet is not only about keeping perfect tempo but also about breathing with the dancers, shaping phrases to match choreography, and creating seamless coordination between stage and pit. Gabriel has conducted productions for Ballet West, including The Nutcracker, Rodeo, Les Noces, Dracula, and Stars and Stripes. His ability to blend precision with artistry makes him a sought-after conductor for both symphonic and dance productions. In this conversation, Gabriel opens up about his career, the unique challenges and rewards of conducting, and his passion for connecting audiences with music through performance and education.

In this episode of The Artist’s Voice, I did an interview with Mbasa Tsetsana – a theatre actor, writer, and director whose journey through the arts has been nothing short of inspiring. Mbasa’s story begins in East London, South Africa, but his craft has taken him to some of the country’s most renowned stages and screens. From interning and writing for the beloved South African soapie Muvhango, to having his script Fallen Angel selected for ETV’s EKASI: Our Stories in 2013, Mbasa has carved a place for himself in both theatre and film. On stage, he has brought characters to life in powerful productions such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Athol Fugard’s Master Harold and the Boys, Femi Osofisan’s Morountodun (directed by Andrew Buckland), and Red Shoes (by Leila Henriques). As an award-winning playwright and director, Mbasa’s works have graced stages at the Nelson Mandela Bay Theatre Complex, the East London Guild Theatre, the Joburg Theatre, the South African State Theatre, Artscape, and WITS Theatre. But beyond his achievements, Mbasa speaks passionately about the spirit of creation – about making art not for money first, but for the process, the story, and the soul. In this conversation, he reflects on the challenges of the South African film and theatre industry, the importance of supporting local artists, and his vision of a world where creativity thrives before commerce.Join me for a conversation that celebrates artistry, resilience, and the power of storytelling. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Artist’s Voice for more inspiring interviews with artists from around the world.

Meet Charles J. Limb, surgeon, neuroscientist, and lifelong musician — who’s just as comfortable behind a jazz piano as he is in the operating room. These days he’s the Francis A. Sooy Professor and Chief of Otology, Neurotology, and Skull Base Surgery at UCSF, Director of the Douglas Grant Cochlear Implant Center, and head of the Sound and Music Perception Lab. But before all of that, Charles was a kid at the piano at age five, later picking up the saxophone in middle school. By his teens, he was hooked on improvisation — shaping melodies on the fly — and that spark of creativity led him deep into the world of jazz. Somewhere along the way, the drive to “do something important” pulled him toward medicine. His fascination with sound and music merged perfectly with the precision and artistry of otologic surgery. But Charles didn’t stop there — he wanted to understand what’s actually happening in the brain when we create. During his post-doctoral research fellowship at the NIH, he did something remarkable: he placed professional musicians in an fMRI scanner and studied their brain activity while they played both memorized pieces and improvised on them. The results opened a new window into the neural pathways of creativity. Today, his curiosity is boundless. From jazz piano to freestyle rap, from children’s creativity to stand-up comedians, Charles continues to map the brain’s improvisational magic. He’s even exploring whether music-based improvisation therapy can boost mental flexibility, problem-solving skills, and motor coordination. In our conversation, Charles shares stories from his musical beginnings, his groundbreaking research, and why he believes creativity — whether in art, music, or science — is one of the most powerful forces we can study. https://www.artsandmindlab.org/charles-limb-md-mapping-the-creative-minds-of-musicians/

In this episode, I speak with Rico no Suave, an American talk show host and creator of both the Rico no Suave Talk Show and a popular YouTube cooking channel. Rico shares the story of what sparked his creative journey — a journey fuelled by his natural talent as a problem-solver and his unstoppable creative spirit. He began by doing casual Facebook Live sessions from his car on the way to work, chatting about a wide variety of topics — from finance and nature to heartfelt relationship advice. His easygoing personality and genuine interest in others quickly drew people in, and he discovered a passion for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way. Inspired by legendary talk show hosts such as Jay Leno and Johnny Carson, Rico has developed his own engaging style — warm, relatable, and deeply curious about the people he meets. He thrives on conversations with guests who inspire, have a sense of purpose, and are driven to make a difference. Today, Rico’s creative energy flows into both his talk show and his cooking channel, where he brings people together through stories, laughter, and the shared love of food. With dreams of one day moving into television and expanding his talk show’s reach, Rico no Suave continues to inspire with his belief that meaningful conversations can change lives. https://www.thericonosuaveshow.com

In this interview, I speak with Michael Raynaud, ballet teacher for the third-year students at Elmhurst Ballet School in Birmingham, UK. Originally from France, Michael began ballet at the age of seven and went on to train for six years at the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School. Upon graduating, he joined the English National Ballet, touring the world with Swan Lake before becoming a permanent member of the company. Michael opens up about his remarkable journey in the world of ballet, sharing both the triumphs and the challenges that shaped him—notably the serious injury he sustained in his final year of training in Paris. This moment of adversity became a turning point, teaching him invaluable lessons about resilience, mental strength, and the deeper aspects of being a dancer. He reflects on how nearly every dancer faces injury at some point and emphasizes that the true measure of an artist is how they respond, adapt, and grow stronger from such experiences. In our conversation, Michael also delves into his transition from professional dancer to ballet teacher. After retiring from the stage, he chose to step away completely from the ballet world and pursued a course in interior design. This seemingly unexpected detour gave him a renewed perspective on life beyond the studio. He believes that this time away helped him become the passionate, empathetic, and grounded teacher he is today—one who understands the full arc of a dancer's life. Now at Elmhurst, Michael not only teaches advanced ballet technique but also prepares his students for the often unpredictable path that follows graduation. He encourages them to see beyond auditions and rejections, reminding them that “not getting a role or a place in a company is not the end—just a redirection.” He urges young dancers to stay open to possibilities and keep their passion alive, because the future often brings opportunities in the most unexpected ways. What shines through in this interview is Michael’s deep dedication to nurturing the next generation of dancers—not only technically, but emotionally and mentally. His holistic approach, shaped by both his career and his time away from ballet, offers invaluable insights into what it means to truly prepare for life as a professional artist. Join us for this heartfelt and empowering conversation about the beauty of ballet, the reality of setbacks, and the importance of embracing both discipline and possibility on the journey from student to stage—and beyond.

In this interview, I speak with Sophie Zimmermann, a talented production designer and set designer who proudly calls herself a "Production Magician"—and rightfully so. Sophie shares her passion for creating immersive, unforgettable experiences for live theatre, concerts, circus, and large-scale events, all while making the impossible possible. From crafting intricate props and scenography to solving complex logistical puzzles, Sophie thrives on the challenges that come with transforming abstract creative visions into seamless stage realities. For her, the true magic lies in making everything look effortless—so that audiences can simply enjoy the moment, without ever wondering how the illusion came to life. Currently, Sophie is part of the production team of “Terhal,” a groundbreaking Saudi theatrical show produced by Dragone in collaboration with the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The production is a spectacular fusion of Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage with cutting-edge stage technology, lighting, and natural elements—an ambitious celebration of the country’s evolving cultural identity. Sophie also reflects on her recent work on the Helene Fischer's tour through Germany and Austria, where she enjoyed the dynamic nature of being in a different venue every three to four days, adapting designs to new spaces, and maintaining the visual magic across all performances. Another major highlight was her involvement in Eurovision 2026, where she helped orchestrate the monumental task of coordinating precise stage setups for each act—under tight time constraints and with no room for error. Beyond the lights and spectacle, Sophie opens up about the unsung role of stage and production designers, advocating for greater recognition of the creativity, skill, and problem-solving that goes into every production. And indeed, after hearing Sophie speak about her work with such clarity, warmth, and humility, one cannot help but agree—she is a true production magician. Her ability to conjure entire worlds, manage chaos behind the curtain, and deliver visual poetry to audiences across the globe is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Tune in to discover how Sophie brings magic to the stage—and why her work, and the work of countless others like her, deserves to be seen, valued, and celebrated. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophie-zimmermann/?locale=en_US